Average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $66,670. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $66,840, indicating a stable pay scale across the region. Local economic factors and demand for specialized social work services likely contribute to this alignment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,310.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,040 professionals, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area demonstrates a significant presence in the mental health and substance abuse social work sector. The Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a robust and established job market for these critical services.
Salary Overview
The average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns-0.3%below the national average.
$32.1
$1,282
$5,556
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased awareness of mental health issues and a growing demand for support services typically drive salary increases in this field.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Career progression for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay spectrum, while senior roles, requiring extensive expertise and potentially supervisory responsibilities, command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary reflect these distinct levels of experience and specialization.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $45,760 | $22 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $50,003 | $24 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $68,120 | $32.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $83,338 | $40.1 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $85,310 | $41 |
Detailed Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $66,670 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker's salary in this area is directly comparable to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
1,040
Total Jobs
0.64
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.78x the national average concentration of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.78 for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a steady demand for these services, and opportunities may be competitive but available for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary | $75,480↑ 13% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary | $57,430↓ 14% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary | $67,250↑ 1% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary | $70,290↑ 5% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $66,670. This typically ranges from $45,760 for entry-level positions to $85,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 0.3% lower than the national median of $66,840.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
Yes, it is a stable earning environment.The average salary of $66,670 is on par with the national average, and the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating a balanced financial landscape for these professionals.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($75,480) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $66,670 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is very close to the national average of $66,840, suggesting comparable compensation rates.
What is the concentration of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
The Location Quotient is 0.78, meaning the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the salary of $66,670 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, indicating no significant impact from local living expenses.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify?
The figure of 0.64 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates the prevalence of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker roles within the broader workforce of the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,040 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.64 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO